Does anyone use the NCE decoders…I am mainly interested in the D13SR. It looks like a basic low budget decoder. I have the ability to solder it in because I think it comes with just wires, no plug.
I am primarily installing these in Atheran Engines, so there is no need to spend alot of money on an expinsive decoder, I don’t think. I just wanted to know if anyone has used these and if there are any problems.
Yes, this is the primary decoder that we use on our club layout. We purchase them in bulk. In a few hundred decoders we have only had 1 failure so far, NCE replaced it pronto. My only criticism is that they are a little large.
I’ve used a lot of different types of NCE decoders and have never had a bad one.
I’m in the middle of using up a 10-pack of the D13SRJ (same as the D13SR, with a 9-pin JST plug - and for some odd reason usually CHEAPER), and theya re workign out GREAT. Excellent motor control, no bad ones so far. I’ve stuck them in Walthers Trainline, Bachmann Spectrum, and Proto1000 so far, all but the Spectrum I replaced the light bulbs with golden white LEDs - and SHOULD have stripped the Spectrum to do so, since it came with those annoying blue-white LEDs which are totally too modern for the unit - plus they only half light up the number boards. These are excellent decoders, and are goignto be my fleet standard until something better comes along - the $12/each price in 10 packs from Empire Northern doesn’t hurt, either.
–Randy
I highly recommend them.
It’s even better with a NCE system with the new EPROM installed. Makes them very easy to program - you don;t have to worry about a single CV.
I’m almost inclined to pull out some of my older NCE D102’s and replace them with the D13’s.
Tim
I have a couple and they’re okay, and a bit cheaper than the TCS T1s I had been using. I think I’ll go back to the T1 for its slightly smaller package and the goof-proof warranty, though. Besides, my local shop carries TCS and I have to order in NCE; unless I gang up with other guys on an order the shipping outweighs any price advantage the D13SR has over the T1.
I bought a 10 pack and can say nothing but great things about them. I’ve installed them in Athearn and a couple spectrums and all work great. Gets me DCC before the corporation can afford the new big money power.